Monday, May 9, 2016

Call me biased, but I will always favor Bohol than any other famous beach in the country. This is my second time to visit Bellevue Hotel and Resort (BHR) in Panglao Island, Bohol. My first trip
was a company-sponsored event and there was very limited time to enjoy the place so I
made a mental note to visit again with my family. I knew my daughter will love it there. We also had a summer vacation
in Bohol many years ago and I’ve always thought that the beaches of Panglao Island
are among the most beautiful in the country. I’m glad that the pristine beaches
continue to be unspoiled by commercialization, at least, this side of Panglao.

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Quite a sight to behold! I knew we'd be back for this!

Unlike our
first family vacation in Bohol, we stayed bit longer and skip the country side
tour packages, mainly just enjoy the place and have an endless time for
relaxation before going back to the daily grind.

After 40-minutes or so of shuttle service from Tagbilaran
airport to Bellevue Hotel and Resort, porters at the front façade will greet
you with a welcome garland (was actually a local handicraft necklace).
Checking-in was swift and efficient. I requested for two adjoining rooms and
while this was not what were initially booked for us, the lady at the
reception/check-in was able to find us the two connecting de luxe units at the
ground floor, with a small patio that opens up to the pool area. Cool! And yes, rooms have Wi-Fi and cable TV.

De luxe room with two twin bed set up

Bellevue Bohol at night. No filter.

Around the Resort

Beachfront with a view of the hotel and dining pavilions

Bellevue has a vast infinity pool that overlooks the beach.
I love that the pool has been divided into areas for toddlers/young children to
frolic, a modest 4-feet section for non-serious swimmers like me and a 12-feet
dive pool.There is a generous array of outdoor
loungers/divans in front of the swimming pool and the beach, I spent one afternoon there
in lazy splendor and toasting under the hot summer sun. The platform at the center of the pool is ideal for those who love bikini-clad selfies with a dramatic view of the sea while draped on a lounger. Yes, you get the drift. But no, I didn't attempt to do one.

This platform is in the middle of the pool,
must be wonderful for after dark drinks and partying too!

The beach was something else. We spent one morning burning
breakfast calories off via a 30-minutes of kayak. Like most
resorts, there are water sports and adventures to choose from like
parasailing, catamaran ride, speed boat and the likes. The beach on this side of Panglao is littered
with corals though hence people favor the pool better than swim at the beach.

Food and Dining

Bellevue Bohol boasts of two major dining facilities. The Lamian world cuisine is the air-conditioned
dining hall where buffet breakfast is served daily.The breakfast spread is 5 out of 5 for me, with wide variety of food choices as if you are in a metropolitan hotel’s breakfast buffet
and that is a great way to jumpstart mornings. And I love their brewed coffee-- this is a make or break for me. During our stay, there were
successions of corporate events at BHR and Lamian restaurant has been exclusively
booked during lunch and dinner.

Alternatively, Marea
offers al fresco dining experience and a wonderful view of the beach and the
pool area, with live music entertainment even during week nights. The menu extensively
covers local and international favorites, the taste, presentation and service definitely
world-class. BHR can also set-up special themed-dinner buffet for company
events like during our stay, there was a Luau-themed party at the beach front
and another 80s themed dinner party with live band crooning to popular 80s
dance music. One ought to try their (gigantic bowl of) halo-halo and Pork Humba Boholano style.

Al fresco dining at Marea while a live band serenades with pop music

Other Activities at Bellevue ResortI booked for a relaxing massage at the Azure Spa. They can also provide an in-room massage service if you
so desire. Aside from spa and different types of massages, they also do facials
and traditional hilot. It was soooo
soothing that I almost fell asleep while soft music and light scent of verbena
drifts in the air! You are also treated to a strong brew of ginger tea after the massage.

I appreciate that BHR also offer a hosts of activities throughout the day like Koi-feeding, arts and crafts, Zumba, outdoor sports like volleyball or badminton, indoor facility for table tennis and other games – keeps boredom at bay especially for kids who might be looking for other ways to spend their energy other than in the pool!

Should you want to have a countryside tour or dolphin-watching
with island-hopping, there is a DOT-accredited tour desk that can attend to you
and cater for these arrangements. I decided to forego this time to have
a stress-free holiday.

Bellevue Hotel and Resort
truly lives up to its promise of Luxury
of Sanctuaryfor travelers looking
for a five star pampering, stress-free holiday at the countrysides! The staff are most wonderful, very professional, courteous and responsive to our special requests for Kevin's needs.

Infinity pool overlooks the beach

The 2-ft section of the pool

If you consider doing some serious baking under the sun....

Early morning Kayak before the sun is out

View of the Marea restaurant and pavilion from our room's patio

This short boardwalk connects our room to the pool area

The busy Lamian restaurant during breakfast

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Thanks to all the staff of Bellevue Hotel and Resort Bohol
for making this a wonderful vacation!

About Me

Proud Filipina. Wife. Mom. Writer. Daughter and Sister. Engineer turned Planner. Coach. Advocate for kids with special needs and now into blogging. Likes spending my free time reading, bonding with kids, enjoying the night breeze. I am an optimist and a clairvoyant. Life is beautiful!